Material loading apparatus



May 21, 1940. R. c. ossoon MATERIAL nowfixe APPARATUS Filed Jan. 11,1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 y 1940. R. c. ossoop 2,201,671

MATBRIALLOADINGAPPARATUS Filed Jan. 11, 1958 6 Shee ts-Sheet 2 Iilf m mM y '21, 1940. R. 0. 056m 2,201 67 MATERIAL LOADING APPARATUS Filed Jan.11, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 5* 1.212501% Gdgpwa y R. c. ossoon 2,201,671

HATIRIAL LOADING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 11. 1.938 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 imam eien- TaZme? 67 dig 01ml Patented May 21, 1940 MATERIAL LOADING APPARATUSRobert C. Osgood, Claremont, N. 11., assignorto Sullivan MachineryCompany, a corporation 01' Massachusetts Application January 11, 1938,Serial No. 184,447

32 Claims.

This invention relates to material loading apparatus, and moreparticularly to improvements in a loading apparatus of the typev knownas a "muck loader" particularly adapted touse in underground mining workfor loading loose material from the mine floor into a receptacle, suchas-a mine car.

In underground mining work, particularly in sible to use theconventionalforms of mechanical loaders because of their relativelygreat bulk and length. Such mechanical loaders are not only relativelylong and bulky, but are also relatively complicated and expensive indesign. Moreover,

in underground metal mines the equipment used in the mining operationsmust be transported in the conventional mine cage or skip, whichoperates in the mine shaft and is relatively restricted in size, and,for this further reason, the use of conventional mechanical loaders isnot practical.

, An object of the present invention is to provide an improved loadingapparatus especially de- -signed for use in metal mines for loading muckfrom the mine floor into a mine car, the apparatus being relativelysimple and rugged .in design and of relatively small dimensions, welladapted to be transported through the relatively restricted and sharplycurved tunnels or drifts and the relatively small shafts of a metalmine. Another object is to provide an improved muck loader of thepivoted shovel type having an improved pivotal mounting structure forthe shovel o and improved means for swinging the shovel upwardly andrearwardly about its pivot. A further operated type for centering theshovel from a v lateral position, during its loading movement, andhaving associated therewith an improved .55 fluid-ope ated lock forautomatically locking the shovel in its centered position. A furtherobject is to provide an improved control means for the self-centeringmeans and the lock having associated therewith control means for -theshovel swinging motor. A still further object is to'provide an improvedmuck loader having novel ar-' rangements and combinations of parts.These and other objects and advantages of the invention will, however,hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes ofillustration one term and two modifications which the invention mayassume in practice.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a muck loader constructed inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.-

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the muck loader shown in Fig. 1. v Fig. 3 is aview in longitudinal vertical section taken substantially on line 3-3 ofFig. 2, with parts shown in full. f

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view taken substantiallyon line 44 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on line 55 of Fig.3.

Fig. 6 is a cross. sectional view taken substantially on line 6--6 ofFig. 3.

Fig. '7 is an enlarged cross sectional view, with parts shown inelevation, taken substantially on line 1--1 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view illustrating the improved springbutter and shovel return cylinder.

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Figs. 7 and 8. 4

Fig. 10 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on lineill-l0 0! ig. 3, with parts omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on line l|-li of Fig.1.

Fig. 12 is a'detail view showing a portion of the control means.

Fig. 13 me detail sectional view taken on line l3l3ot Fig. 12.- v

Fig. 14 is a detail sectional view taken on line 14-14 of Fig. 12.,

Fig. 15 is a detail sectional view taken on line i5--I5 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 16 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line I6l6 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 17 is a detail view showing a portion of the control means.

Fig. 18 isan enlarged detail sectional view taken on line l8-l8 of Fig.2.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on line lS-IS of Fig.10.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary elevational view, showing a portion of theshovel mounting structure.

Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 20, showing a modified form of shovelmounting.

Figs. 22 and 23 are diagrammatic views, showing positions which theshovel may occupy with respect to the base.

Fig. 24 is a view in longitudinal vertical section taken substantiallyon line 24-24 of Fig. 2, with parts omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 25 is an enlarged detail view taken on line 25-25 of Fig. 24.

.Fig. 26 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the fluid system and itsassociated control means.

Fig.2? is a vertical sectional view through a modified form of controlmeans, the view taken substantially on line 21-2! of Fig. 28.

Fig. 28 is a vertical sectional view, with parts shown in elevation,taken substantially on line 28-28 of Fig. 27. i

Fig. 29 is a detail vertical sectional view taken on line 29-29 of Fig.28.

Fig. 30 'is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 30-30 of Fig. 27.

Fig. 31 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on line 3 l-3l ofFig. 28.

Fig. 32 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 32-32 ofFig. 31.

Fig. 33 is a cross sectional view taken on line '33-33 of Fig. 31.

Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 34-34 of Fig. 31.

In this illustrative embodiment of the invention, there is shown amaterial loading apparatus of the type known as a muck loader, forloading muck, such as loose rock or other debris, from a mine floor to amine car, whereby the muck may be quickly removed from the working face.While the apparatus disclosed is particularly adapted to use inunderground metal mines, it

will be evident that the same may be used in general loading workwherever it is desired to load loose material. The improved loadingapparatus comprises a self-propelled base I, herein a wheeled truck,adapted to travel along the usual narrow gauge trackway 2 laid on themine floor. The truck comprises a truck frame 3 of generally rectangularshape supported on usual track-engaging wheels 4. Swivelled forhorizontal swinging movement on the self-propelled base, is asuperstructure comprising aswivelled frame 5 having parallel verticalside walls 6, 8 in the form of plates, and the frame 5 is swivelled onbearings I (see Fig. 6) supported by a vertical shaft 8 fixed to thetruck frame and located with its axis lying in the central longitudinalvertical plane of the base. The driving means for the truck wheelscomprises a fluid-actuated reversible motor Ill, of a conventionaldesign, arranged on the base beneath the superstructure andpreferablyhaving its power shaft H horizontally disposed and extendingtransversely of the base, as shown in Fig. 6. Connectible to the motorpower shaft,,as by a 'jaw clutch I2, is a sleeve i 3 having a spur gearl4 formed thereon, shiftable axially on the motor shaft by aconventional clutch shipper I5. The gear l4 meshes with a spur gear l6keyed to a parallel shaft I1 suitably journaled within the truck frame.Also keyed to the shaft ll-is a spur gear l8 meshing with spur gears I9,l9 (see Fig. 4), the latter in turn meshing with spur gears 20, 20 keyedto the front and rear truck wheel axles.

standing side portions of the latter.

The motor ill is controlled by a conventional reversing valve 2|operated through a flexible operating shaft 22 by a control handle 23conveniently located at the side of the machine near the operatorsstation.

The shovel or scoop is indicated at 24 and is supported by parallel sidearms 25, 25 mounted on segmental frames or rockers 26 of semicircularshape.- The segmental frames are provided with arcuate bearing surfaces21 supported by and adapted to roll along parallel horizontalguideways23 extending longitudinally of the swivel frame 5 at the inner sides ofthe up- Lying along the inner sides of the guideways 28 are flexiblecables 29, 29,. each secured at one endby an adjustable connection 30 tothe swivel frame 5 and at the opposite end by a spring connection 3| tothe segmental rocker frame 26, the cables passing around and guided inarcuate grooves on the segmental frames parallel with the arcuatesupporting surfaces 21. A second pair of cables 32 are each secured atone end by an adjustable connection 33 to the segmental frame and at theopposite end by a spring connection 34 to the swivel frame 5, thesecables also lying and guided in arcuate grooves on the segmental frames.These pairs of cables 29, 32 serve to retain the rolling segmentalframes or rockers 26 against displacement from their guideways 28, andat the same time compel a rocking movement of the segmental frames alongtheir guideways, to thus afford a shifting pivot for the shovel uponswinging of the shovel supporting arms. It is incidently noted thatinstead of pairs of cables, a single cable may be employed for each sidearm with an intermediate loop secured to the segmental frames, which atthat time might be circular in shape.

For raising and lowering the shovel on its shiftable pivotal mounting,means is provided comprising flexible side chains 35 adopted to be woundon flanged wheels or drums 36, one end of each chain being fixed to thehub of the drum while the otherends of the chains are secured.

at 31 to the segmental rocker frames 26 at the ends of the latter nearerthe side arms. The intermediate portions of the chains 35 pass aroundarcuate guiding surfaces on the rocker frames, parallel with thesurfaces 21, so that when the. chains are wound in by the drums, theshovel is swung upwardly and rearwardly. By the arrangement of thechains with respect to the segmental frames, increased leverage isattained in the lifting of the shovel when it is most desirable, thatis, when .the shovel is in its lowered digging position, as shown inFig. 3. As shown in Fig. 20, the semi-circular frames or rockers 26 haveat the ends thereof adjacent the shovel supporting arms 25, projectinglugs 38 which are received in notches or recesses 39 on the swivel frame5 at the forward ends of the guideways 23, and these lugs provide asupport for the shovel' and rockers against the resistance of the muckpile, the lugs taking the excessive strains off from the cables 29 and32, while the shovel is being crowded forwardly during the diggingoperation. In the modified form of construction shown in Fig. 21, inlieu of the lugs and I reversing valve 2|.

driving motor l0, having fixed to its power shaft :1 chain sprocket 43connected by an endless drive chain 44 to a sprocket 45 keyed to a shaft46. The

shaft 46 extends transversely of the swivel frame and is suitablyjournaled within bearings 41 supported within the vertical side walls 6.The drums 36 are keyed to and driven by the shaft 46 (see Fig. '7). Themotor 42 is controlled by a conventional reversing valve 48 similar tothe Pressure fluid may be supplied to the motors l8 and 42 through ahose 4 9 and pipe connections 50, the pipe connections including-a pipe5| extending vertically through an elongated arcuate slot 52 (Fig. 2) inthe swivel frame 5, the slot being struck on a radius having its centercoincident with the swivel frame axis, thus permitting movement of theswivel frame relative to the relatively stationary .pipe connections onthe base. The flow of pressure fluid through these pipe connections tothe motors l and 42 is controlled by the valves 2| and 48, the pressurefluid flowing from the valve 2| to the motor III through pipeconnections 53 and from the valve 48 to the motor 42 through pipeconnections 54.

Now referring to the improved self-centering means for the shovel, itwill be noted that mounted on the swivel frame are parallel fluidcylinders 55, 55, each containing a reciprocable piston 56. Each of thepistons has pivotally connected thereto at 51 a rod 58 provided with aslotted end 59. Projecting within the slots in the rods 58 are pins 60fixed to the truck frame and projecting upwardly through arcuate slots6| in the swivel frame, these slots struck from the same center as thearcuate slot 52 mentioned above. It will thus be seen that when theshovel is located laterally of the trackway and pressure fluid issupplied to the forward ends of the cylinders 55. 55, one of the pistons56 acts through its connecting rod 58 and pin 60 to move the shovel intoalinement with the base, so that when the shovel is raised from itsdigging position toward its dumping position, it may be brought intoalinement with the mine car, generally indicated at 62 in Fig. 1.located immediately at the rear of the apparatus. A fluid-operated lock63 is provided for locking the swivel frame and shovel in their alinedposition with respect to the base, comprising a vertical fluid cylinder64 secured to the swivel frame 5 and containing a reciprocable piston 65having a locking pin 66 extending downwardly through the bottom head ofthe cylinder. Interposed between the piston and bottom cylinder head isacoil spring 61 for urging the locking pin into its uppermost releasedposition. The locking pin 66 is adapted to engage a lockin recess 68formed on the truck frame 8, so that when the pin is brought intoregistry with the locking recess and pressure fluid is supplied to theupper end of the piston, the locking pin is moved downwardly within therecess to lock the parts in position. For locking the swivel frame tothe truck frame during transport when the locking pin 66 is released,there is provided a manual locking pin 68 insertible within alinedopenings formed in the swivel frame and truck frame respectively. a 1

Secured to the vertical side plates 6 of the swivel frame near the rearend thereof, is a transverse member 18 carrying shock absorbing buffersprings 'II, and when the shovel is swung upwardly about its shiftingpivotal mounting past'its center of gravity, a transverse plate I2secured to the shovel supporting arms 25 engages the buffer springs toprovide a cushioned stop for the shovel. When the rearward swingingmovement of the shovel is abruptly stopped by the buffer springs, thematerial in the shovel is discharged into the mine car. assumes itsrearmost dumping position with the side arm plate 12 resting against thebuffer springs and it is desired to. return the shovel to its diggingposition, the shovel must be initially moved forwardly past its centerof gravity before it will drop down under its own weight, and the meansfor initiating this return movement comprises a fluid cylinder 13supported on the transverse member 18 (see Fig. 8) and containing a.

When the shovel reciprocable piston 14 having a piston rod 15" continuedforward movement ofthe piston, the

shovel structure is moved forwardly past its center of gravity, theshovel thereafter swinging rapidly downwardly by reason of the initialvelocity derived from the thrust of the piston rod 15 and theacceleration imparted by gravity, into its digging position under thecontrol of the drums and chains. The truck frame has secured thereto afront abutment member 16 having an arcuate abutment surface 11 struck ona radius from the center of the swivel frame axis, and a transverseabutment plate 18 secured at 18 tothe sides of the shovel is engageablewith this abutment to limit downward movement of the shovel. The memberI6 provides an abutment'for the shovel during the digging operation,anddue to the shape of the surface H of the abutment 16, the abutment plate18 may engage the abutment in different positions of the shovel aboutthe swivel axis of the swivel frame.

The improved control means for controlling forms but, as shown in Figs.11 to 16, comprises a control handle 80 fixed to a shaft 8| rotatablymounted within a bearing bracket 82 secured to one vertical side plate 6of the swivel frame.

slide valve 86. This valve is reciprocably mounted in a bore 9| of avalve casing 92 secured to the adjacent side plate 6. The valve 90 is ofthe cylindric spool type and controls the flow of pressure fluid from asupply pipe 83 to a pipe 94 leading to the rear end of the shovel returncylinder I3. Reciprocably mounted within the handle 86 is an operatingrod 95 having a thumbpressed push-button 86 and engaging at its innerend a pivoted member 81 arranged within the handle hub and projectingwithin a slot 88 formed in the shaft 8|. This pivoted member engages aplunger 99 slidably guided within an axial bore I88 in the shaft 8| andengaging the stem III of a plunger valve I02. This valve is likewise ofthe cylindric spool type and controls the flow of pressure fluid fromthe supply pipe 83 toa pipe I02 leading to the forward ends of thecentering cylinders 55, S5, and through a branch shown in Fig. 1.

connection I04 to the upper end .of the locking cylinder 64..Communicating with the bore II of the valve casing 92 are vent passagesI05, so that when the valve 90 is in the position shown in Fig. 16 withthe supply of pressure fluid in the pipe 93 cut off by the valve, thecylinder 13 is vented to atmosphere through the pipe 04. The borecontaining the valve I02 has similar vent passages, so that when thevalve is in the position shown in Fig. 11, the supply of pressure fluidin the pipe 93 is cut off and the cylinders 55 and 64 are vented toatmosphere. It will thus be seen that when the operator grasps thehandle 00 and swings the latter to rotate the shaft II, the

reversing valve 48 for the shovel raising motor 42 is operated throughthe levers 83, 06; and as a result, the shovel raising motor may beoperated in either of opposite directions. When the handle 80 is movedin one direction, the motor 42 is operated to wind in the chains 25 onthe drums 36, so that the segmental rocker-frames 26 are rolled alongtheir guideways, thereby to swing the shovel 24 from the full lineposition shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to the dotted line position shown inthose figures. When the shovel arm plate I2 engages the buffer springs,the rearward swinging movement of the shovel is abruptly stopped, sothat the shovel contents are discharged into the mine car 62. When theshovel discharges its contents, the operator moves the handle 80 'intheopposite direction, thereby to reverse them'otor 42 to cause thedrums to unwind the chains 35, and the cam surface 88 on thecamprojection moves the valve 90 into a position to supply pressure fluidthrough the pipe 94 to the shovel return cylinder I3; and as a result,return movement of the shovel is initiated,

the shovel after it passes itscenter of gravity swinging rapidlydownwardly at a rate accelerated by its own weight. which increases thespeed'clerived from the thrust imparted thereto I by the piston I4, tothe full line digging position If desired, pressure fluid may besupplied to the return cylinder 13 before the shovel arm plate engagesthe buffer springs, so that the return piston will act as a cushionsupplementing the action-of the springs in absorbing the inertia of theshovel, as well as effectively quicken the initiation of the returnshovel movement. Downward movement of the shovel is controlled by themotor 42 and i's limited by the abutment I6. When it is desired to loadthe muck at either side of the path of movement of the loading machinealong the trackway, the shovel and its associated supporting structuremay be manually rotated about the swivel axis of the swivel framerelative to the base, as indicated diagrammatically in Figs. 22 and 23.The ends of the slots 6| engaging the pins 80 limit the range ofswinging movement of the shovel in either direction relative to thebase. When the shovel is swung to one side of the trackway, theapparatus may be propelled forwardly along the trackway under thepropulsion of the truck wheel driving motor I0, thereby to crowd theshovel into themuck pile; and as this crowding operation is effected,the operator may operate the shovel raising motor 42 to.swing the shovelup and down a slight distance to facilitate the digging operation. Whenthe shovel has been'moved forwardly into the muck pile a sufficientdistance, the shovel raising motor 42 may .municating with the groove beoperated to swing the shovel from its digging I position upwardly andrearwardly into its material dumping position; and as the shovel startsto swing upwardly, the operator operates the button 06 to move the valveI02 into a position to supply pressure fluid tothe self-centeringcylin-' vders 55, 45, so that'the shovel as it swings uplie upononeanother, so that as the shovel ap-.

proaches its dumping position, the rate of swinging movement of theshovel is accelerated, due

to the increasing winding diameter of the drums, thereby to increase theshovel raising speed, so that when the shovel armv plate engages thebuffer springs, the material in the shovel is thrown into the car.

In Figs. 27 to 34 inclusive, a modified form of the control means isshown. In this construction a control handle I06, similar to the handle80, is fixed to a horizontal shaft I01 journaled within a bearingbracket I08 secured to the adjacent vertical side plate 6 of the swivelframe. Keyed to the inner end of the shaft I0! is a lever I09connectedby a link IIO to a lever III, the latter being keyed to the stem II2 ofa rotary control valve H3. This valve is rotatably mounted in a bore II4formedin a valve casing H5 herein preferably mounted on the casing ofthe shovel raising motor 42. Pressure fluid maybe supplied to anannulargroove H6 in the valve through a passage II'I, connected by apipe IIO to any suitable source of pressure fluid supply, hereinpreferably connected to the supply hose 49.'above described. The valveII3 constitutes the reversing valve for the motor 42, and is formed onits periphery with a longitudinal fluid supply slot I I9 communicatingwiththe annular supply groove '6 and communicable with,a passage Ileading to the motor. Formed on the periphery of the valve at theopposite side of the groove H6 is a longitudinal slot I2I com- IIS andcommunicable with a passage I22 likewise leading to the motor. Formedaxially in the valve is an exhaust chamber I23 constantly communicatingthrough, a passage I24 and an elongated groove I25 in the wall of thevalve casing, with an exhaust port I26. Passages I21 and I28 in thevalve are communicable with the motor passages I20, I22 respectively,for connecting the latter with the exhaust chamber I23. It will thus beseen that the supply slots H9 and I2! may be alternately connected withthe motor passages I20, I22, so that when one of the motor passages isconnected to the supply the other is conto exhaust through one or theother of neonatal and communicable through a pipe iSi with the shovelreturn cylinder. The pipe (389 is communicable with the valve exhaustchamber 0 through a passage 982 in the valve. When the valve M3 isrotated into a position to eiiect operation of the motor 62 in adirection to raise the shovel, the shovel return cylinder i3 isconnected to exhaust through the pipe list and passage G32 communicatingwith the valve exhaust chamber 923, and when the valve ii?) is rotatedinto a position to effect reverse operation of the motor 62, the supplyslot list is brought into communication with the pipe iti so thatpressure fluid is supplied'to the shovel return cylinder iii, toinitiate and increase the speed of the return movement of the shovel.Guided for axial movement on the handle lat is an operating rod 835having a push-button H and connected at it? to a member 53d guidedwithin the hub of the handle act. The member 938 has an arcuate surfaceengaging the stem it of a plunger valve Hill in all positions of I thehandle ltd. This valve is guided in a bore Mi formed in a valve casingHi2 secured to the adjacent vertical side plate 6. Communicating withthe valve bore is a. passage Hi3, connected by a pipe it to theself-centering cylinders 55, and the locking cylinder at. Alsocommunicating with the valve bore i ii through a passage M5 is a fluidsupply pipe Mill. Valve bore Hill is connected to atmosphere throughvent passages M1. When the valve Mill is in the position shown in Figs.27 and 28, the cylinders as and 6 3 are vented to atmosphere through thepipe Hi6 and the vent passages iti. When the operator depresses theplunger valve Hit, pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinders 55 andlid through the supply pipe Hi5 and the pipe M6. in a bore H58 in thevalve casing M2 is a springpressed plunger loch M9 engageable with anotch Hill on the hub of the handle ltd for holding the handle in itsneutral position.

Supported by brackets It! on the base frame is a platform i532 on whichthe operator stands during the loading operation, and the vertical sideplate d of the swivel frame at this side of the machine is provided witha guard rail E53 to reduce the possibility of injury to the operator asthe shovel swings from its digging position into its elevated dumpingposition and vice versa. The control handle 23 for the reversing valve2| and the control handle 869 for the reversing valve 38, and the'control handle Hit of the modification, are conveniently located nearthe operators station on the platform, so that the various operations ofthe machine may be readily controlled. The operator by grasping thesehandles,lone in each hand, retains his position on the platform.

The mode of operation oi the improved material loading apparatuswill beclearly apparent from the description given. The apparatus is movedabout the mine iromone working place to another, by means oi alocomotive or other suitable propelling means and the jaw clutch i2 isof course, at that time released. The apparatus may be propelled backand forth along the trackway during the loading operation by the motorit. When it is desired to effect loading, the manual locking pin lid isreleased and the shovel may be lowered into its digging position withrespect to the muck pile, and as the truck wheels are driven by themotor it, the apparatus is propelled forwardly along the tracl'zway,under the control of the handle to crowd the shovel into the Guided pileof much; and as the shovel crowds into the muck pile under thepropulsion'oi the truck wheel driving motor ill, it is simultaneouslymoved slightly up and down to facilitate the digging operation. When theshovel is loaded, it is swung upwardly and rearwardly about its shiftingpiv= otal mounting from its digging position into its elevated dumpingposition under the control of the control handle 8t. When the shovel.dis= charges its contents into the mine car t2, the operator operatesthe lever till to move the valve Sill into a position to supply pressurefluid to the shovel return cylinder l3, thereby to efiect inttiation ofthe return swinging movement of the shovel from its dumping positiontoward its dig= ging position, and when the shovel passes its center ofgravity, it swings rapidly downwardly, un der the effect of its ownweight added to the thrust imparted thereto by the return piston, underthe control of the chains and drums, until it engages the abutment it onthe base. When it is desired to load the muck at either side of thetrackway, the operator may swing manually the swivel frame relative tothe base until the shovel assumes the desired laterally locatedposition. When the shovel isin this latter position at one side of thetrackway and the shovel has been dug into the muck pile and filled withmuck, the operator moves the control handle 8d to cause the motor it torotate the drums 36, thereby to wind in the chains 35 and swing theshovel from its digging position toward its dumping position.

As the shovel starts to swing upwardly, the opcr,

ator operates the valve ill! to supply pressure fluid to theself-centering cylinders 55, 55, so that the shovel is brought intoalinement with the mine car as it swings upwardly; and when the shovelreaches its central position, the locking pin 66 automatically locks theshovel frame to the base. During transport about the mine, the swivelframe is locked in alinement with the base by the manual locking pin 69.The operation of the modified form of control means shown in Figs. 27 to34 inclusive, is substantially the same as that above described, withthe exception that the operator operates the control handle its tocontrol the operation of the shovel raising motor t2 and the shovelreturn cylinder 13, and operates the valve idd controlled from thehandle N16, to control the operation of the self-centering cylinders 55and the locking cylinder 6%. Otherwise the muck loader, when this formof control means is employed, operates in a manner similar to that abovedescribed.

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved muckloader is provided especially designed for use in underground miningwork for loading muck from the mine floor into a mine car, the apparatusbeing relatively simple and rugged in design and of relatively small d1-mensions'well adapted to travel through the relatively restricted andsharply curved tunnels or drifts and the relatively small shafts of ametal mine. It will further be noted that by the provision of theimproved means for centering the shovel from a lateral position, duringits loading movement, discharge of the muck into the mine car locatedimmediately at the rear of the apparatus, is assured. Furthermore, bythe provision of the improved means for initiating the return of theshovel from its dumping position towards digging position, a relativelylarge range of rear ward shovel swing is provided, and return swingingmovement of the shovel is positively initiated and the speed of returnincreased. Other uses iii til

and advantages of the improved material loading apparatus will beclearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While there are in this application specifically described one form andtwo modifications which the invention may assume in practice, it will beunderstood that this form and these modifications are shown for purposesof illustration and that the invention may be further modified andembodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or thescope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

i. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a framestructure swiveled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto,loading means supported by said frame structure for movement relativethereto, said loading means movable relative to said irame structurefrom its material gathering position to its material dischargingposition, and said frame structure swingable horizontally relative tosaid base to position said loading means at one side of the path ofmovement of said base, and power oper ated self-centering means for saidloading means operable independently of the movement of said loadingmeans relative to said frame structure and irrespective of thehorizontally swung position of said loading means relative to said base,for swinging said frame structure horizontally relative to said baseautomatically, upon continued supply of motive power thereto, to alinesaid frame structure relative to said base during the loading movementof said loading means, said self-centering means embodying means forautomatically interrupting horizontal swinging movement of said framestructure relative to said base when the latter assumes said alinedposition.

2. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a framestructure swiveled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto,loading means supported on said frame structure for movement relativethereto from its gathering position to its material dischargingposition, said frame structure swingable horizontally relative to saidbase to position said loading means at either side of the path ofmovement of said base, and power operated self-centering means for saidloading means operable independently of the movement of said loadingmeans relative to said frame structure, for horizontally swinging saidframe structure automatically, upon continued supply of motive powerthereto, into alinement with said base during the loading movement ofsaid loading means relative to said frame struc ture, saidself-centering means embodying means for automatically locking saidframe structure against further swinging movement relative to said basewhen said frame structure assumes said alined position.

3. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a framestructure swiveled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto.a

shovel pivotally mounted on said frame structure to swing in a verticaldirection relative thereto, said frame structure swingable horizontallyrelative to said base to position sa d shovel at either side of the pathof movement of said base, means for swinging said shovel in saidvertical direction relative to said frame structure to move sa d shovelfrom its lowered digging position into its elevated material dumpingposition, and power operated self-centering means for said shoveloperable independently of said shovel swinging portable base, a framestructure swiveled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto,a shovel pivotally mounted on said me structure to swing in a verticaldirection relative thereto, said frame structure swingable horizontallyrelative to said base to position said. shovel at either side of thepath of movement of base, power operated means for swinging said shovelin said vertical direction relative to said frame structure ,to moveshovel from its lowered digging post tion into its elevated materialdumping position, power operated selt centering means for said shoveloperable independently of said shovel swinging means, for swinging saidframe struc ture horizontally relative to said base, during the verticalswinging movement of said shovel, automatically, upon continued supplyof motive power thereto, to aline said frame structure relative to saidbase so that the shovel always discharges its contents immediately atthe rear of said base, said self-centering means embodying means forautomatically interrupting horizontal swinging movement of said framestructure relative to said base when the latter assumes said alinedposition, means for controlling the supply of motive power to saidshovel swinging means, and means associated with and operableindependently of said controlling means for controlling the supply ofmotive power to said shovel centering means.

5. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a framestructure swivelled on said base to swing horizontally relative thereto,a shovel pivotally mounted on said frame structure to swing in avertical direction relative thereto, said frame structure swingablehorizontally relative to said base to locate said shovel in diggingposition at either side of said base out of the path of movement of thelatter, means for swinging said shovel in said vertical directionrelative to said frame structure to move the shovel from its lowereddigging position into its elevated material clumping position, meansoperable independently of said shovel swinging means for swinging saidframe structure relative to said base to center said frame structurerelative to said base during the vertical swinging movement of saidshovel so that the shovel always discharges its contents im-' medlatelyat the rear of said base, means for controlling said shovel swingingmeans including a manual control handle, and means associated with saidcontrol means for controlling said centering means including a manualcontrol member mounted on said control handle.

6. In a loading apparatus, in'oombination, a portable base, a shovel,means for supporting said shovel on said base, said shovel pivotallymounted on said supporting means to swing in a vertical directionrelative thereto, means for swinging said shovel about its pivotalmounting, means providing a stop for limiting rearward swinging movementof said shovel, and power operated means associated with said stop meansand distinct from the latter and said swinging means 35 for mithstlugthe rotors movement of the shovel.

his; loading spperetus, hr extraction, :2. portable louse, s shovel,meeus for supporting mid shovel on sold louse, shovel plvotslly mountedportable base, a frame structure swivelly mounted on said base to swinghorizontally relative thereto,

e. shovel pivotelly mounted on said frame structure to swing in e.vertlcsl dlrectlon relative thereto, moons comprising at fluid actuatedmotor for swinging sold shovel relative to sold frsme structure, fluidsctusted centering rooms for sold shovel for sutomstlcslly swinging soldheme structure into longitudinal slhiemeut with sold base sud'forautomatically maintaining sold frame structure in its ellued posltlouwhen sold shovel swings in s vertical direction as sforesold, means forcontrolling the flow of pressure fluid to sold motor including ascontrol handle, and means for controlling the how of pressure fluid tosaid frame structure swinglng sud ellning means including onindependently operable control handle mounted on sold first mentionedcomtrol handle. I

9. In a. loading apparatus, in combination, as portable base, a. framestructure swivelly mounted on sold hose to swing horizontally relativethereto, a shovel plvotslly mounted on said frame structure to swing ina vertical direction relative thereto, sold firome structure swlngablehorizontally to position ssid shovel at either side of said base, meansfor propelling said base to move said shovel forwardly to gather thematerlslto be loaded, means for thereafter swinging said shovelvertically to losd the material, and means controllable at the will ofthe operator for swinging sold frame structure into allnement with said.base during the loading operation and for automatlcelly locking saidframe structure in its allned position.

10. In' a loading apparatus, in combination, a. portable base, s framestructure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizoutolly relativethereto a shovel pivotolly mounted on said frame structure to swing in avertlcsl direction relative thereto, said frame structure swingsblehorizonon said base to swing horizontally reletlve thereto,

a shovel plvotelly mounted on said frame struc= ture to swing in a.verticsl direction relstlvc thereto, sold Home structure swlucsblehorizontelly to posltion said shovel st either side of sold boss, meansfor propelllng said base to move sold shovel lorwerdly to settler thematerial to he losded, for thereetter swinging ssid. shovel verticallyloud the materiel, means comprising 9. pulr oi fluid cylinders forswinging said frame structure lute ellue out with said base duringswlugmg of sold shovel from its digging position towsrd lts dumpingposition, mesms including a fluid cylinder for sutometicelly lockingsaid frame structure to. cold sllhed position, and control rhesusoperehle at will for controlling the flow of pressure fluid to saidcylinders.

12. In s loodlug sppsrotus, in combination, a portehle hose, or fremestructure swivelly mounted on sold hose to swim; horlzontslly relativethereto, a shovel plvotclly mounted on sold ,frome structure to swing ins verticsl direction relative thereto, sold frame structure swingoblehorizontally to posltlou sold shovel at elther side of said base, moonsfor propelling sold boss to move said shovel forwardly to gather thematerial to be loaded, moms for thereafter swinging said shovelvertlcolly to loud the material, means comprising a pslr of fluidcylinders for swinging said frame structure into sllnement with saidbase during swinging of said shovel from its digging position toward itsdumping position, means including a fluid cylinder for automaticallylooking said frame structure in said slined position, means lncludihg a.fluid cylinder for initiating the return movement of sold shovel fromits discharging position towsrd its digging position, and control meansopershle at will for controlling the flow of pressure fluid to soldcylinders.

13. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, at shovelplvotslly mounted on said base to swing in a vertlcsl direction relativethereto, means comprising a, reversible motor for swinging sold shovelfrom its lowered digging position rearwsrdly past its center of gravityinto its elevated dumping position, said motor being reversed when saidshovel is in said dumping position to permit said shovel to movedownwsrdly after the shovel has moved forwardly past its center ofgravity, power operated means powered independently of said motor forinitiatlog the return movement of sold shovel, and a common control forsaid motor and said power operated means.

14. In e. losding apparatus-in combination, a portable base, a shovelplvotolly mounted on sold hose to swing in o vertical direction relstlvethereto, means comprising a fluid actuated reversible motor for swingingsold shovel. from its lowered dlgglng posltlon rearwardly past itscenter of gravity into its elevated dumping position, said motor beingreversed when said shovel ls in said dumping position to permit saidshovel to move dowuwerdly after it has moved forwardly past its centerof gravity, fluid actuated means for lnitlotlug the return movement ofthe shovel, and valve means having a common control handle forcontrolling the flow-of pressure hold to said motor and soldfiuid'ectustcd means.

ii. In s loading apparatus, in combination, a base, a shovel mounted onsold hasesaid shovel movable relative to said base from its lowereddigging position resrwardly lrlto its elevated tinued movement to itsdigging osition is caused at least in part by gravity, and meansassociated means for moving said shovel from its lowered diggingposition rearwardly torts elevated dumping position and controlling themovement of said shovel irom its dumping position forwardly to itsdigging position, and motor operated means powered independently of saidmotor means and engaging said shovel when the latter is in its dumpingposition, initially to start the shovel upon its return to its diggingposition.

17. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a framestructure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontally rela= tivethereto, loading means mounted on said frame structure, said framestructure swingable horizontally to position said loading means ateither side of said base, means comprising a pair of oppositely actingfluid cylinders for swinging said frame structure into and for holdingthe 1at= ter in alinement with said base, means for conducting pressurefluid concurrently to or concurrently venting pressure fluid from saidcylinders and control means operable at will for controlling the flow ofpressure fluid through said pressure fluid conducting means.

18. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, a framestructure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontally relativethere to, loading means mounted on said frame structu're, said framestructure swingable horizontab ly to position said loading means ateither side of said base, means comprising a pair of fluid cylinders forswinging said frame structure into alinement with said base, meansincluding a fluid cylinder for locking said frame structure in alinement with said base, means for conducting pressure fluid concurrently toor concurrently venting pressure fluid from said swinging cylinders andsaid locking cylinder, and control means operable at will forcontrolling the flow of pressure fluid through said pressure fluidconducting means.

19. In a loading apparatus, in combination, a portable base, aframestructure swivelly mounted on said base to swing horizontallyrelative thereto, loading means mounted on said frame structure, saidframe structure swingable horizontally to position said loading means ateither side of said base, means comprising a pair of oppositely actingfluid cylinders for swinging said frame structure into and holding thelatter in alinement with said base, said cylinders so arranged thatmovement of said frame structure is effected by oneof said cylinderswhile the other is inoperative, means for conducting pressure fluidconcurrently to or concurrently venting pressure fluid from 'saidcylinders, and control means operable at will for controlling the flowof pressure fluid through said pressure fluid conducting means.

20. In a loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base,an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in horizontaland vertical directions relative to said base,

- a shovel supported at the outer extremity of said arm structure, meansoperatlvely connected-to said arm structure for swinging the latter in avertical direction about its pivotal mounting relative to said base tomove said shovel from its lowered digging position to its raised dumpingposition, said arm structure swingable horizonp tally about its pivotalmounting relative to said openers base to position said shovel at eitherside of said base, means operatively connected to said arm .ingoperation of said arm structure alining means,

said manually operable means effecting initiation of operation of saidalining means, and said latter means upon continued supply of powerthereto, automatically acting to move said arm structure into andmaintain the same in said alined position relative to said base.

21. In a loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base,an era. structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in horizontaland vertical directions relative to said base, a shovel supported at theouter extremity of said arm structure, means operatively connected tosaid arm structure for swinging the latter in a vertical direction aboutits pivotal mounting relative to said base to move said shovel from itslowered digging position to its raised dumping position, said armstructure swingable horizontally about its pivotal mounting relative tosaid base to position said shovel at either side of said base, meansoperatlvely connected to said arm structure and always automaticallyoperative upon supply of power thereto to move said arm structurehorizontally from its position at either side of said base intolongitudinal alinement with said base, thereby to center said shovel asit moves upwardly towards its dumping position, manually operable meansoperable at the will of the operator for efi'ectlng operation of saidmeans for vertically swinging said arm structure and for effectingoperation of said arm structure allning means, said manually operablemeans efiecting initiation of operation of said alinlng means, and saidlatter means upon continued supply of power thereto, automaticallyacting to move said arm structure into said alined position relative tosaid base, and means also controlled by said manually operable-controlmeans for automatically initiating the return movement or said armstructure to effect movement of said shovel from itseraised dumpingposition towards its lowered digging position.

22. In a loading apparatus, the combination comprising a portable base,an arm structure pivotally mounted on said base to swing in horizontaland vertical directions relative to said base, a shovel supported at theouter extremity of said arm structure, means operatively connected tosaid arm structure for swinging the latter in a vertical direction aboutits pivotal mounting relative to said base to move said shovel from itslowered digging position to its raised dumping position, said armstructure swingable horizontally about its pivotal mounting relative tosaid (base to position said .shovel at either side of said base, meansoperatively connected to said arm structure and always automaticallyoperative upon supply 0! power thereto to move said arm structurehorizontally from its position at either side or said base intolongitudinal alinement with aeoaevi 01 base, thereby to center saidshovel as it eves upwardly towards its dumping position, manuallyoperable means operable at the will of the operator for effectingoperation of said means for vertically swinging said arm structure andfor eflecting operation of said arm structure alining means, saidmanually operable means eifecting initiationof operation of said aliningmeans, and said latter means upon continued supply of power thereto,automatically acting to move said arm structure into said alinedposition relative to said base, and means associated with said armstructure alining means for automatically locking said arm structure inits alined position relative to said base, said locking means alsocontrolled by said manually operable control means.

23. In a material loading apparatus, the combination of a loadingmember, supporting means for saldloading member swing'able to move saidloading member from a lowered material receiving position upwardly andrearwardly into a material discharging position, said supporting meansas said loading member approaches its discharging position passing itscenter of gravity, fluid actuating means for swinging said supportingmeans to move said loading member into aforesaid loading positions,means for limiting movement of said supporting means when said loadingmember reaches its material discharging position, and means separate anddistinct from said swinging means and likewise actuated by pressurefluid for initiating swinging movement of said supporting means to movesaid loading member forwardly from said limiting means past its centerof gravity so that when the center ofgravity is passed said supportingmeans swings downwardly to move said loading member forwardly anddownwardly into its material receiving position.-

24. In a material loading apparatus, the combination of a loadingmember, supporting means for said loading member swingable to move saidI loading member from a lowered material receivfluid actuated means forswinging said supportingposition upwardly and rearwardly into a materialdischarging position, said supporting means as said loading memberapproaches its discharging position passing its center of gravity,

- means comprising a fluid actuated plunger associated with saidlimiting means and engageable with said supporting means.

25. lln a material loading apparatus, the com- .bination of a lo m;member, supporting means for said loading member swingable to move saidloading member from a lowered material receiving position upwardly andrearwardly into a ma terial discharging position, said supporting assaid loading member approaches its disch t m position passing its centerof gravity, fluid actuated means for swinging said supporting me to movesaid loading member into means. Y

frame to swing in a vertical direction relative said base and operativeto impart to said loading loading member reaches its materialdischarging position, means separate and distinct from said swingingmeans and likewise actuated by pres- 5 sure fluid for initiatingswinging movement of said supporting means to move said loading memberforwardly from said limitingmeans past its center of gravity so thatwhen the center of gravity is passed said supporting means swingsdownwardly to move said loading member forwardly and downwardly into itsmaterial receiving position, and valve means under manual control forcontrolling the supply of actuating fluid. to both of said fluidactuated means and operable when said loading member approaches saidlimlting means to cut of! the pressure fluid supply to said swingingmeans and to open the -supply or pressure fluid to said movementinitiating 26. A material loading apparatus comprising, in combination,a portable base, a frame swiveled on said base to turn relative theretoabout a vertical axis, a scoop mounted on said swiveled 5 thereto fromits lowered material receiving posi- 2 tion to its raised dumpingposition, means for swinging said scoop in a vertical direction asaforesaid relative to said-frame, and power operated self-centeringmeans for said scoop operable independently of said scoop swinging meansand capable of being rendered active when said scoop is swung upwardly acertain distance with respect to said frame for turning said swiveledframe relative to said base automatically to aline said scoop with saidbase as .said scoop swings upwardly towards its dumping position, saidcentering means automatically becoming ineffective to further turn saidswiveled frame when said scoop is alined with said-base.

,27. Ina material loading apparatus, the combination comprising aportable base, material loading means mounted on said base to swinghorizontally relative theretointo a laterally lo--- cated position atone side of said base, and power operated self-centering means for saidloading' means rendered effective by the horizontal swinging movement ofsaid loading means relative to means a horizontal centering movementirre-. spective of the hdrizontally swung position of said loading meansrelative to said base, said centering means being automatically renderedineffective to further swing said loading means when the latter assumesits centered position with respect to said base.

28. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising aportable base, loading meanspivotally mounted on said base to swing bothhorizontally and vertically relative to said w base, means for swingingsaid loading means vertically relative to said base from its loweredmaterial receiving position to its raised material discharging position,said loading means being swingable horizontally relative to said baseinto @5 a material loading position at oneside of the path of movementof said base, and power oper ated self-centering means for said loadingmeans independently of said vertical swinging and irrespective of thehorizontally 4-1,; position of said loading means relative to said baseincluding means for imparting to said loading means a horizontalswinging torque automatically discontinued at approximately thehorizontal centered position of said loading means relative to saidbase.

29. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising aportable base, material loading means swivelly mounted on said base toswing horizontally relative thereto, said loading means being swingablehorizontally relative to said base into a laterally located position atone side of the path of movement of said base, and power operatedcentering means for said loading means for swinging the latter from itslaterally located position at one side of said base into itshorizontally centered position with respect to said base, said centeringmeans including means controllable at the will of the operator forimparting to said loading means a centering torque discontinuedautomatically at approximately the horizontal centered position of saidloading means with respect to said base.

30. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising aportable base, material loading means swivelly mounted on said base toswing horizontally relative thereto, said loading means being swingablehorizontally relative to said base into a laterally located position atone side of the path of movement of said base, and power operatedcentering means for said loading means for swinging the latter from itslaterally located position at one side of said base into itshorizontally centered position with respect to said base, said centeringmeans including means controllable at the will of the operator forimparting to said loading means a centering torque discontinuedautomatically at approximately the horizontal centered position of saidloading means with respect to said base, said centering means includinga. fluid actuated cylinder and piston device operatively connected tosaid base and said loading means and moved into its effectivecentering-movement-imparting position by horizontal swinging movement ofsaid loading means into its laterally located position at one side ofsaid base and reaching its limit of effective centering-impartingmovement when said loading means assumes its horizontal centeredposition with respect to said base.

31. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising aportable base, loading means mounted on said base to swing bothhorizontally and vertically relative thereto, said loading means beingswingable vertically relative to said base from its lowered materialreceiving position to its raised material discharging position and saidloading means being swingable horizontally relative to said base into alaterally located position at one side of the path of movement of saidbase, and power operated selfcentering means for said loading meansoperable independently of the movement of said loading means verticallyrelative to said base and irrespective of the horizontally swungposition of said loading means relative to said base, for swinging saidloading means horizontally relative to said base automatically, uponcontinued supply of motive power thereto, to aline said loading meanshorizontally relative to said base during the vertical swinging movementof said loading means, said self-centering means embodying means forautomatically interrupting the horizontal swinging force imparted tosaid loading means when said loading means assumes said alined position,

32. In a material loading apparatus, the combination comprising aportable base, loading means mounted on said base to swing bothhorizontally and vertically relative thereto, said loading means beingswingable vertically relative to said base from its lowered materialreceiving position to its raised material discha ging position and saidloading means being swingable horizontally relative to said base into alaterally located position at one side of the path of movement of saidbase, means for swinging said loading means vertically relative to saidbase, and power operated self-centering means for said loading meansoperable independently of said vertical swinging means and irrespectiveof the horizontally swung position of said loading means relative tosaid base, for swinging said loading means horizontally relative to saidbase automatically, upon continued supply of motive power thereto, toaline said loading means horizontally relative to said base during thevertical swinging movement of said loading means, said self-centeringmeans embodying means for automatically interrupting the horizontalswinging force imparted to said loading means when said loading meansassumes said alined position.

ROBERT C. OSGOOD.

